Description
Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic dish. Combining ground beef and Italian sausage, it’s filled with gooey mozzarella and fresh spinach, then topped with marinara sauce for a deliciously rich flavor. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
For the Topping:
1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped spinach.
- Assemble the Meatloaf: On a piece of parchment paper or a lightly greased surface, flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread the cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the meat, leaving about an inch around the edges. Carefully roll the meatloaf up, jelly-roll style, ensuring the stuffing is enclosed.
- Bake: Place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add Marinara Sauce: In the last 10 minutes of baking, spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven to heat the sauce through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to introduce some heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
